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At the height of the Harlem Renaissance,
artists, writers, dancers, musicians, activists, philosophers, and patrons
attended the same parties, frequented the same clubs, shared creative spaces, and lived
on the same streets. They also influenced, encouraged, challenged, and inspired one another's
creative and intellectual pursuits. In this activity, you will explore the many complex relationships
between the pivotal Harlem Renaissance figures and some of the enduring works that resulted from
these associations.
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- Visit the section of this mini-site titled Faces
of the Renaissance. Notice a grid of 12 boxes.
Click on the box (lower right) marked "view all cards"
to see the faces of the actors, musicians, artists, dancers,
writers, and supporters & activists. Click on the faces
of individuals from different art forms as well as those
who are supporters & activists. As you explore information
about each person, notice the "Intersections"
(the right side of each page) that shows how this person
relates to others.
- As you explore Faces of the Renaissance, look for specific examples of collaboration, influence,
and patronage among the figures of the Harlem Renaissance. Collaboration refers to the work two or
more people accomplish together. Influence refers to effect of one person on another. Patronage refers
to the support (e.g., stipends, awards) provided to individuals by those who want them to succeed.
Working in small groups, select one of the three sections below and follow the directions.
Jump
to the Activities List
Each student in your group should cite an example of collaboration
that he/she discovered in the Faces
of the Renaissance and prepare responses to the
following questions:
- How did the individuals come to know each other and/or work together?
- Did the individuals work across different art forms/genres? If so, what did each participant bring to the collaboration?
- What was the nature of their collaboration? Was it formal? Informal?
- To what extent was the collaboration fruitful? Did it result in a lasting product/ performance/work? What was that work?
- What did each collaborator gain/learn from the relationship? Was the relationship mutually beneficial? Why or why not?
- Did the initial collaboration lead to future collaborations? If so, describe them.
- Did their collaborative work achieved a greater level of quality or longevity than either one could have achieved alone?
Each student in the group should cite an example of an artist,
scholar, or patron who influenced another individual that
he/she discovered in the Faces
of the Renaissance and prepare responses to the
following questions:
- In your opinion, did the artist, scholar or patron intend to influence the other individual? How do you know?
- Did the influence extend across art forms/genres? If so, how did the art form/idea influence the other?
- Did the individuals involved actually know one another or were they influenced by their works? If they knew each other, how did they become acquainted? If they did not know one another, how did they learn of one another's work?
- Was the influence collegial, or was it the result of a contentious relationship?
- What common themes, symbols, or conventions emerged as a result of this influence?
- Did the influence of others "raise the bar" and help artists advance their work? Did it inspire them to create an entirely new work?
Each student in the group should cite an example of patronage
that he/she discovered in the Faces
of the Renaissance and prepare responses to the
following questions:
- Discuss the relationship between patron and artist. What positive aspects did it have? What negative aspects?
- Did the patron influence the creative works? How and why?
- What were the patrons' terms of support, the reasons for contributing to the work, and/or expectations for the works produced?
- Were there any struggles between the patron and artist during the creative process? Ultimately, did the patron "approve" of the work that resulted from his/her patronage?
- What are some of the ways individuals can support creative work without providing financial backing? Find examples of individuals who supported artists and facilitated their creative output without providing financial support.
- In general, what are some of the positive and negative aspects to the influence of patrons on artists and their works?
- What roles did patrons play during the Harlem Renaissance? In what ways are they similar or different from the roles they play today?
Form new groups that include individuals who explored different areas: collaboration, influence, or support. Working together, develop a statement regarding the role that collaboration, influence, and support played in the Harlem Renaissance.
- Select an artist (poet, actor, musician, dancer, visual
artist) or scholar from the Harlem Renaissance and another
artist or scholar with whom he/she did not
work (to the best of your knowledge). Decide on a fictional
collaboration that could have occurred between these two
individuals.
- Write and perform a dialogue between these two individuals, in which they discuss similarities and differences in their artistic styles and/or political beliefs. They should also discuss their reasons for working together and their hopes for the collaboration.
- Create a work that incorporates the styles/techniques/ideas of both artists/scholars. The final product could take the form of a dance, music composition, poem, article/essay, visual artwork, or drama. Each artist/scholar's contribution to the final work should be readily identifiable.
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